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I wonder if some believers are only trying to show their "great" faith, as if by showing, stating, or otherwise wearing it as a badge makes it true; even if they sincerely believe they are full of faith. How about looking at it a little differently, as in a real self examination. What if we ask ourselves, do I have Faith in the Lord?

In no biblical sense can it be possible to have faith in a God you don't trust. Right, so let's break it down. For me I have focused on these points, challenging myself in prayer time, studies, and deep reflection. I think this point I will frame just might be a revelation for you too, it sure was for me.

Please stop and pray this with me, "Dear Lord Heavenly Father, Almighty Father, please open my ears and heart, open my own will and settle my pride as I read these words and ponder Your Word today. Thank You Lord for Your revelation in my life today!! In Jesus Name we pray, Amen."

This is what I discovered; there are elements of faith that go beyond trust, with trust still at the core, think about blind trust, trust so strong it fills your body and you lose your sense of fear, what if, and those little doubting words in the back of your head. I'm not saying it is easy, in fact it is quite difficult; however it is WORTH IT!!! As I indicated throughout my postings, I found memories of true faith in my very young childhood, so literally accepting of everything we were told. Here is a story that I love, my Mother always reminded me, this was shortly after my youngest brother was born. Having been born w big blue eyes that everyone was fawning over, I began to look at my eyes, having had received so many of those beautiful eye comments myself in the past. I was curious, what happened to my eyes they weren't blue anymore. So I told my Mother, I know what happened to my eyes, I looked up one day while it was raining and now they are rusted. WOW right, so literal our child like brains.

Think about this, Why else would the WORD contain so many references to childlike trust in responding to God? See especially BATACH in Psalm 22:9, and then Mark 10:14, 15. Where the word EMUNAH, means faith, belief, firmness, steadfastness, endurance and is used in Habakkuk 2:4, "… The just shall live by his faith, " for example. It refers more to faith-filled actions and steadfastness rather than to belief or faith as we think of it.

I think for me I focused on CHACAH defined as a rock, our strengths, our fortress, our hiding place and our stronghold. I think the Lord gives us a WORD of promise or a WORD of command. If we allow our attitude to change to one of the compliance to his WORD and taking it as guidance. Then our attitude totally changes and we go into action, and we in obedience, act upon the promise or the command. This action demonstrates our trust/belief/faith. It starts with the assuring WORD Of God and ends with your confiding and abiding faith in God and his promises. Psalm 36:7 is one of the most precious versus in the old testament to me. It explains the bases for our love of the Lord, our faith in the Lord and our trust in the Lord. "How excellent is thy loving kindness, oh God! Therefore the children of men put their trust (CHACAH) under the shadow of the wings."

So put your hope, confidence and faith in HIM. Why; because HE is so eminently trustworthy. We love HIM because HE first loved us we trust HIM because of HIS unsurpassable kindness. We have faith in HIM because we know HIM. Look at... Psalm 34:22 "the Lord redeemed with the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust (CHACAH) in him shall be desolate. ". This verse actually portrays the faith-filled relationship of the old testament believers to their God. (See in Ps.11:2) notice the resolute and final quality of the declaration here (look up Ps. 37:40; 91:4)

Faith signifies believing the Truth, the WORD of God. It relates to some words spoken or some promises made by the Lord. It expresses the belief which a person who hears it, recognizes it as The Truth. Period. You know it, confess it, rely upon it and you ACT accordingly. Faith is Action without question. I know I have told you this before, this morning THS was compelling me to readdress it.

Before I end for today, look at the other side of this where Jesus was actually stern w His disciples. Addressing "of little faith", 1. Anxiety about needs being met (Matt.6:30); 2. Fear of accident or harm (Matt8:26); 3. Doubting or fear of failure (Matt14:31); and 4. Forgetfulness of previous blessings (Matt16:8). Unbelief, literally shuts the door on a faithful God, wanting to work in you. Good news, our God is a gracious and Loving God, so just try again!!! Thank You Lord, Hallelujah

Self examine, are you practicing Faith, or the idea of Faith, or Faith in some things. Because Faith in some, is not Faith at all!!

When you profess your belief, pray and believe for the answer, the healing, the provisions; don't turn around a day or two later and present your doubt!

I think some of us need reminding of what presenting your doubt is. Let me say it like this, if you are choosing to believe, choosing to be optimistic because you KNOW God has filled that glass - don't change your mind - don't start to doubt your previous decision. Like if you said this glass is half full, two or three people come and ask you the same question - keep your answer the same. Seriously, would you start to change your answer, maybe change to half full to oh about half, and then to oh IDK half empty maybe, and so on. Your doubt can steal everything from you!

With your belief, turn and listen to the Word. Listen to its beauty and to its grace, love, promises and powers. Fill your heart, mind and soul with His Word.

Now all you NEED to do is ACT - Follow the Word.

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” James 1:6, 22-25 NIV

INTRODUCTION & PREPARATION Rejections can create a number of other conditions, largely insecurities that can undermine your soul. I am not just referring to a feeling of rejection, feeling a victim of something, sad, defeated, hurt, un-loved... you get the drift. That list is very long.

This morning I am focusing in on the DEEP rejection that derails our entire mindset - and - most importantly my Victory, collectively our Victory through Christ. This is a very common one that I personally struggled with and am now freed from Thank You Lord, is an identity crisis - blended with a false since of what love and acceptance actually is. I therefore, did not love myself as I should have, I lowered my standards to make sure I was loved.

This can lead to a mis-guided decision matrix, belief systems that are not fact based and instead are emotionally based. This is a core issue of weakness in many of our lives. In fact it can be so deep, it can go undetected. Ask yourself, are you extremely protective, do you get offended easily, or are so performance based that you also may judge others. Oh you will still go fix, do, and love on others, but you are doing it because - wow you cant believe they did it again. That stupid repeat that You Know of and You somehow are bigger than. You might not realize it but, others are feeling your condemnation - that is the other side of your hurt - a spirit of rejection leaves us feeling condemned. So we try to measure up, try to make sure everyone loves us, we are over preforming everywhere, and yes we are harsh and we judge.

For me it started when I was a small child. My uncle was you guessed it inappropriate; when I approached my parents the words were oh that is just how your uncle is. You are over reacting, that is normal.

They rejected me, they didn't hear my words; and those moments of extreme hurt. By pushing me and my needs aside began to define me. When those events repeated, and again I was shut down regardless of my tears. Those feelings of rejection - too hold.

Many other areas confirmed these emotions, like perfect grades and no accolades, sports achievements and zero attendance, being forgotten at school or any number of different things. Watching the over praising of others that to my surprise did nothing, other than perhaps got into less trouble than last time. No achievements got their love - so they must just not love me. Just confirming things. Now for me, I did not become a victim, I became a fighter, I buried all of that however it affected the decisions I made for nearly my entire life. I did have an event when my daughter was young, He showed up and it triggered it all back like a flood gate. Of course then I had to deal with the affects within the family, as the news spread. But what did not happen is any healing, it only strengthened my resolve as to my independence. Drawing my strength and security from myself, it wasn't until very recently after the loss of my Mother, lost wealth, lost my entire family as I knew it and massive betrayal was revealed.

Then, as I cried out to the Lord, He began to unravel stories and reveal the Truth. It is truly amazing what He is capable of, how MUCH HE LOVES US. This was the Lord reaching out to with His vast understanding, mercy, grace, and pure real Love! It is a beautiful thing being set free by such bondage - please lets hold hands - pray together.

Our Father God wants nothing more than to release You from that bondage, from our pains, from our sins to be there for us in pure Love. Here is the best part of all - once you are on the other side and released. All of that pain, changes and the beautiful painting the Lord has been working on, refining you during those challenging and hurtful times. So lets do this -

When you are thrown into an identity crisis or finally realize that is what happened/happening and you cry out to the Lord for help; you have an opportunity to erase old tapes that have played in your mind for a long time and replace those self-destructive thoughts with God thoughts. God is GreatRemember Your heavenly Father saw you and approved of you even while you were in your mothers womb Psalm 139:13-16. He gave you several tools that would bring you to the place where you are today. He is a Father who has been waiting for you to come home to the truth-the truth that will set you free John 8:32.Future rejection may hurt, but it will only be for a season 1 Peter 1:6. And Ecclesiastes 3:1. The Word of God is your shield against all the fiery darts of the devil Ephesians 6:16, 17. For victory over your feeling of rejection, pray the following prayer in faith and with a Joyful Spirit.Read the below verses, ponder on them and let them settle into your heart; then Pray this Prayer for Your Totally Victory over Rejection! Praise God!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PRAYER Lord, Your Son, Jesus, is my high priest. He understands and sympathizes with my weaknesses and this excruciating pain of rejection. In His Name I approach Your throne of grace with confidence, so that I may receive mercy and find grace to help me in my time of need. I ask You to forgive my sins, I receive Your mercy; I expect Your healing Grace to dispel the rejection I am suffering because of false accusations and demeaning actions of another.

Father, Jesus was despised and rejected -A man of sorrows, acquainted with the bitterest grief. The grief of-----turning against me and treating me as an outcast is consuming me, just as my rejection consumed Your son, who freely gave his life for me.

Forgive me for turning my back on Jesus and looking the other way-he was despised and I didn't care. Yet it was my grief HE bore, my sorrows that weighed HIM down. He was wounded and bruised for my sins. He was beaten that I might have peace; He was latched, and with His stripes I AM healed.

In the face of rejection I will declare, "the Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the refuge and stronghold of my life-of whom I shall be afraid ? "Psalm 27:1 amplified version

I know right from wrong and cherish Your laws in my heart; I won't be afraid of people scorn or their slanderous talk. Slanderous talk is temporal and fades away. Your Words will never pass away. Father, I choose to look at things that are Eternal: Your justice and mercy shall last forever, and Your salvation from generation to generation.

Your eyes are upon me, for I have right standing with You, and Your ears are attentive to my prayer. You spoke to me and asked, "Now who is going to hurt you if you are a zealous follower of that which is good? "

In my heart I set Christ apart as a Holy, and I acknowledge Him, as Lord. I am always ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks me to account for the hope that is in me, but I do it very courteously and respectfully. I purpose, to see to it that, my conscience is entirely clear, I WILL NOT BE impaired, so that when I am falsely accused as an evil doer, those who threaten me about abusively and rival my right behavior in Christ may come to be ashamed of slandering my good life.

There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here. These trials are only to test my faith, and chastening as to my character, to see whether it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire test gold and purifies it-and my flesh is far more precious to you, Lord, then we are gold; so if my faith remain strong after being tried and test tube in the fiery trials, it will bring much praise and glory and honor on the day of Jesus's return.

In spite of the rejection, I have experienced, I declare everything you say about me in your word is true:- I am blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Ephesians 1:3.- I am chosen by you, my father Ephesians 1:4,- I am holy and without blame Ephesians 1:4, - I am your child according to the good pleasure of your will Ephesians 1:5,- I am excepted in the beloved Ephesians 1:6,- I am redeemed through the blood of Jesus Ephesians 1:7,- I am a person of wisdom and prudence Ephesians 1:8,- I am an heir Ephesians 1:11,- I have a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ Ephesians 1:17,- I am saved by your grace Ephesians 2:5,- I am seated in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus Ephesians 2:6,- I am your workmanship Ephesians 2:10,- I am near to view by the blood of Christ Ephesians 2:13,- I am a new creation Ephesians 2:15,- I am of your household Ephesians 2:19,- I am a citizen of heaven Ephesians 2:19,- I am a partaker of your promises in Christ 2 Peter 1:4,- I am strengthened with might buy your spirit Ephesians 3:16,- I allow Christ to dwell in my heart by face Ephesians 3:17,- I am rooted and grounded in love Ephesians 3:17,- I speak the truth in love Ephesians 4:15,- I am renewed in the spirit of my mind Ephesians 4:23,- I am your follower Ephesians 5:1,- I walk in love Ephesians 5:2,- I am light in you Ephesians 5:8,- I walk circumspectly Ephesians 5:15,- I am filled with the spirit Ephesians 5:18,- I am more than a conqueror Romans 8:37,- I am an over comer revelations 12:11,- I am your righteousness in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 1:30,- I am healed 1 Peter 2:24,- Ian am Free John 8:36,- I am salt Matthew 5:13,- I am consecrated 1 Corinthians 6:11 amplified,- I am sanctified 1 Corinthians 6:11,- I am victorious 1 John 5:4,- everything you say about me is true, Lord.

IN YOUR NAME I PRAY - AMEN

Hebrews 4:14-16; Isaiah 53:3-5; 2 Corinthians 4:18; Isaiah 51:7, 8; 1 Peter 3:12-17 amplified; 1 Peter 1:6, 7“Inasmuch then as we have a great High Priest Who has [already] ascended and passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith in Him]. For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning. Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].”Hebrews 4:14-16 AMPChttp://bible.com/8/heb.4.14-16.ampc

“He was despised and rejected and forsaken by men, a Man of sorrows and pains, and acquainted with grief and sickness; and like One from Whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we did not appreciate His worth or have any esteem for Him. Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy]. [Matt. 8:17.] But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.”Isaiah 53:3-5 AMPChttp://bible.com/8/isa.53.3-5.ampc

“Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting.”2 Corinthians 4:18 AMPChttp://bible.com/8/2co.4.18.ampc

“Listen to Me, you who know rightness and justice and right standing with God, the people in whose heart is My law and My instruction: fear not the reproach of men, neither be afraid nor dismayed at their revilings. For [in comparison with the Lord they are so weak that things as insignificant as] the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool. But My rightness and justice [and faithfully fulfilled promise] shall be forever, and My salvation to all generations.”Isaiah 51:7-8 AMPChttp://bible.com/8/isa.51.7-8.ampc

“Conduct yourselves properly (honorably, righteously) among the Gentiles, so that, although they may slander you as evildoers, [yet] they may by witnessing your good deeds [come to] glorify God in the day of inspection [when God shall look upon you wanderers as a pastor or shepherd looks over his flock]. Be submissive to every human institution and authority for the sake of the Lord, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, Or to governors as sent by him to bring vengeance (punishment, justice) to those who do wrong and to encourage those who do good service. For it is God's will and intention that by doing right [your good and honest lives] should silence (muzzle, gag) the ignorant charges and ill-informed criticisms of foolish persons. [Live] as free people, [yet] without employing your freedom as a pretext for wickedness; but [live at all times] as servants of God. Show respect for all men [treat them honorably]. Love the brotherhood (the Christian fraternity of which Christ is the Head). Reverence God. Honor the emperor.”1 Peter 2:12-17 AMPChttp://bible.com/8/1pe.2.12-17.ampc

“Now the value is for you who keep trusting; but for those who do not trust, “The stone which the builders rejected— this One has become the chief cornerstone,” and “a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they are disobeying the word—to this they were also appointed.”1 Peter 2:7-8 TLVhttp://bible.com/314/1pe.2.7-8.tlv